Congo's Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth province

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 21:31 · Archive

Ebola has reached an eighth province in Congo as deaths exceed 4,500.

The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached an eighth province after the Health Ministry recorded two cases, including one death, in Nord-Ubangi province in the country's north. Both patients were men in their 20s living in Wapinda health zone, which borders Bas-Uele province where cases have previously been reported.

Authorities have recorded at least 9,400 cases with over 4,500 deaths since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, making it the deadliest in Congo's history. The virus has spilled over into neighbouring countries: Uganda has declared itself free of the disease, while Kenya recorded a seventh case on Saturday. The Central African Republic has not recorded any confirmed cases.

World Health Organisation Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Yakub Janabi told The Associated Press that one of the biggest challenges has been convincing infected people to seek medical assistance, with some deaths occurring in communities outside health centres. Ituri province in eastern Congo remains the epicentre, accounting for almost three-quarters of confirmed cases across 66 affected health zones. Access to Nord-Ubangi can be difficult due to poor roads and limited communication networks, compounded by armed violence that has forced thousands to flee to Congolese border communities.

How it is being reported

• Congo's Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth provinceThe Ebola outbreak in Congo has spread to an eighth province as the death toll exceeds 4,500, making it the deadliest in Congo's history.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 21:24
• Congo's Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth provinceThe Ebola outbreak in Congo has spread to an eighth province as the death toll exceeds 4,500, making it the deadliest in Congo's history.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 21:24

In this story: Congo · Nord-Ubangi province · Central African Republic · Uganda · Kenya · World Health Organisation · Mohamed Yakub Janabi · Ituri province

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